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Through the technology of Twitter and the telephone, members of Winnipeg’s newest NHL franchise conveyed their astonishment over the season ticket sellout in their new hometown on Saturday.

Even NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was impressed.

“While I had no doubt the ‘Drive to 13,000’ would reach its destination, the remarkable speed at which it got there certifies the fans’ hunger for NHL hockey and their commitment to True North’s initiatives,” Bettman said in a news release.

Andrew Ladd, who was captain of the Atlanta Thrashers last season, couldn’t believe how quickly True North sold 13,000 season tickets for the next three seasons.

“I’m blown away at how fast they went,” Ladd told the Sun’s Ken Wiebe. “That kind of says it all right now. As a player, it gets you excited.”

Forward Evander Kane took to his Twitter feed to praise the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba for their lightning-quick purchasing power.